Backpack Patagonia's Torres del Paine Circuit

Trip

Global Adventure - Backpack Patagonia's Torres del Paine Circuit

Visit a penguin rookery on the Magellan Strait before tackling the spectacular 8–day, 65–mile Torres del Paine Circuit. See the fabled Horns of Paine reflected in Lago Paine; traverse remote Lago Dickson; cross a high pass to the South Patagonian Icefield; explore far up the French and Bader Valleys; and walk before dawn up to the Paine Towers for a spectacular sunrise view.

  • Sat, Feb 7, 2015 — Thu, Feb 19, 2015
  • Global Adventures Committee
  • Global Adventures, Backpacking
  • Adults, Retired Rovers, Singles
  • Moderate/Strenuous
  • Moderate
  • Mileage: 65.0 mi

Arrive Saturday, Feb 7 2015 in Punta Arenas, Chile.  Transfer to Torres del Paine National Park on Feb 9 and backpack the Paine Circuit Feb 10-18.  On Feb 19, transfer back to Punta Arenas for flights home, or to El Calafate, Argentina to join with the Global Adventure 'Backpack the Fitz Roy Massif'. 

Download the trip itinerary here.

 

Itinerary Highlights: Starting in Punta ArenasThis is the centerpiece of our 12–day itinerary in Patagonia’s Torres del Paine National Park: an 8–day, 65–mile circumnavigation of the Paine Massif, including camping on a lake overlooking the fabled Cuernos or Horns of Paine; crossing a high pass overlooking the world’s third largest ice sheet; exploring far up the French Valley to the backside of the famed Paine Towers; and camping right under the Towers with a chance for a spectacular sunrise view. With our backpacks we will visit and camp in remote places few visitors get to see, while enjoying hearty food, warm shelter and international camaraderie at refugios interspersed between camps along the route.

Time of Year: We’ll be visiting in February–March, Patagonia’s high summer, when the likelihood of clear skies and warm temperatures are highest (though high winds and foul weather can arise even in mid summer).

Lodging: Comfortable 3-star hotels or hostels in town, and camping (plus one clean, lively dorm–style refugio mid-way), with a night at the luxurious and beautifully located  Hosteria Las Torres at the end of the circuit.

Food: Hearty refugio breakfasts and dinners included on most days (we carry lunches, snacks and one night's food for Camp Perros where no food service is available).

Leader’s Experience:  Cheryl Talbert has led many Mountaineers hikes and several Mountaineers and private backpacks, treks and cultural trips around the U.S. west and worldwide, including Patagonia in 2012. (cascadehiker@earthlink.net)

 Participant Requirements:  Must be a current Mountaineers member with waiver on file. Participants must be in good cardiovascular condition, confident on rough trail carrying a backpack for 6-8 miles and 1500' elevation gain for 8 days in a row (max 10-14 miles and 2500' gain).  Must demonstrate recent experience with moderate to strenuous backpacking, scrambling or hiking, plus a positive attitude and the ability to get along well with groups under demanding conditions.

Trip Price Detail:  $2300 including all lodging and ground transportation, included tours, 2-3 days of guiding, park entry fees and most breakfasts and dinners, plus a portion of the leader’s expenses and a Mountaineers admin fee. Not included are international airfare (around $1900), lunches, one trail breakfasts and dinner, snacks, drinks, optional tours, and personal items.

Registration Instructions:  Please complete the application form and email it to the leader. After the leader’s approval, please call The Mountaineers at 206-521-6001 to pay a $1000 deposit to hold your space on the roster. Registration will close on August 1, 2014 or whenever the roster fills. A place on the roster can only be held with payment of the deposit. The balance of the trip payment is due by September 1.

 Cancellation Policy:  If you cancel because of an emergency, you may receive a refund less expenses incurred and a $100 administrative fee.

Route/Place

Backpack Patagonia's Torres del Paine Circuit


Roster
Required Equipment

Required Equipment

Upon leader approval to join the trip, you will receive a series of letters providing information to help you prepare for the trip, including gear.

Trip Reports